American scientists have found what they called “the Big Bang” in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. They managed to establish the first step in the neurodegenerative process, which starts the disease. This is a breakthrough which should lead to the creation of new means of fighting the disease.
Scientists have focused on Tau protein that tends to accumulate in one place, to form so-called neurofibrillary confusion. As growths they can kill the neurons, triggering the neurodegenerative process. But what causes Tau proteins to communicate with each other? Previously, scientists were looking for an external factor, the incentive to start the reaction, now they open the form of the protein, which is inherently unbalanced and seeks contact with other proteins. Apparently, it is the root of all evil.
Now, when the enemy is marked, the work will go in two directions. First, the creation of a new method of early diagnosis when the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of patients will be checked for the presence of this dangerous form of the Tau protein. Second, we need to develop drugs that block the protein activity, it transferred to the already-known neutral form, which does not tend to associate with other proteins and create congestion.
According to scientists, now unfold a hunt for Tau protein when professionals race and excitement will seek a weapon against him. At stake is an incredible prize – an opportunity not even to heal, and to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease in the Bud, before symptoms appear. And save millions of people from suffering in the future.
Source UT Southwestern Medical Center